I can’t decide if this vintage two-piece set is more Audrey Hepburn or Ann-Margret… At first I saw Audrey pedaling on a bike. But then I could also see the sex kitten curves of Ann-Margret. I guess every woman has her multiple identities, right?

If you’ve found a prom dress you like, vintage or contemporary, a vintage bed jacket worn over it is a great way to make your prom ensemble unique. This one is very romantic with those large rose appliques — and it would be great over a vintage slip, for prom or any night out, really.

If you’re looking forward to the Downton Abbey wedding, I thought I’d share this 1920’s wedding post. I must say, Lady Mary’s dress looks a bit more 1930’s to me… More like a cross between the 1920s and the 1930s… Similar to the dress Claudette Colbert wore in It Happened One Night (1934), only not as shiny. But I see many people are taking liberties with their definition of 1920’s wedding style.

Vintage style has been influencing the design of wedding dresses since, well,forever! In part this is due to a sense of nostalgia and tradition, but it also had to do with the forever-love of old movies. Thankfully, wedding dress designers know that vintage looks will always be coveted by brides and so vintage inspiration can be seen in contemporary wedding dresses. This means that regardless of your favorite era of film or fashion, you can find a modern-made dress for your special day.

There are many benefits to buying a modern-made, yet vintage-inspired, wedding dress. Contemporary dresses solve the usual problem of finding vintage in your size. And, yes, you’ll have less concerns with tailoring too. But one of the largest benefits of buying new rather than old is that you can get the look you want, but in a style that flatters you and your figure. For example, look at these beautiful wedding gowns which capture the look of that famous gown Audrey Hepburn wore in Sabrina:

It’s like a new look at the New Look — or a new look in vintage bridal! Most importantly, while each wedding gown is reminiscent of that black and white New Look dress by Givenchy, each has its own unique take on the design — and each has its own way of flattering the bride’s body.

Of course, the way to really make your wedding gown your own and look different from another bride who bought her dress off the same rack (or purchased at the same online shop) is the same way to make any dress or ensemble your own — with accessories! Wedding gloves and wedding veils make a big difference in the total look of the bride. More than jewelry or shoes, gloves, veils, hats, etc. are the accessories which are most visible in your wedding day photos.

Here are some inspirational brides from vintage films, featuring unforgettable veils and gloves:

Just in case you didn’t think Loren could look demure, here’s a vintage postcard featuring the young star as a lovely bride. It’s the magic of the romantic veil — and a wedding dress with a modest cut. *wink*